I execute a complex spin transition that I usually save for weekend crowds, the momentum carrying me around the pole before I drop into a controlled split. The audience erupts. Even in my peripheral vision, I catch a few of the regulars nudging each other—they’ve noticed I’m pushing the boundaries of my usual performance.
Alex notices, too. A muscle in his jaw twitches, his knuckleswhite around his glass. Something hot and shameful unfurls in my stomach at his reaction. I shouldn’t care what he thinks. Shouldn’t want him to see me at all, let alone at my best. But here I am, doing exactly that.
The song crashes to its final beat, and I hit my ending pose. The lights cut dramatically, then flood back on as the crowd roars its approval. I allow myself a genuine smile as I gather the scattered bills from the stage. Tonight was good. Not just technically, but the energy—I felt connected to the music in a way that doesn’t always happen.
“Great set, Vince,” one of the bouncers calls as I step off the stage, bills folded and tucked into the waistband of my shorts.
I nod my thanks, scanning the room automatically. Alex has moved from his corner to the bar, still watching me with that unreadable expression. I force myself to look away, focusing on collecting the rest of my tips from the front of the stage where the customers are seated.
I bend to gather a cluster of bills, offering smiles to the patrons who compliment my performance. A stocky businessman in a rumpled suit leans forward as I reach for a twenty near his table.
“You’re fucking incredible,” he slurs, liquor heavy on his breath. “How much for a private dance?”
“Thanks,” I say, straightening. “The hostess can set you up with one of our private dancers if you’re interested.”
His hand shoots out, grabbing my wrist. “Come on, pretty boy. I’ve got cash.” His fingers dig into my skin, and the scent of alcohol and stale cologne washes over me as he pulls me closer.
I maintain my professional smile even as I try to twist free. “Sir, I don’t do private dances. But I can recommend—”
“Don’t be like that,” he insists, his grip tightening. “I’llmake it worth your while.”
I’m calculating how to break his hold without causing a scene when a shadow falls across us. The businessman’s eyes widen, focusing on something behind me. His grip loosens just enough for me to pull free.
“He said no.” Alex’s voice is low, deadly calm in the way that precedes violence.
I turn to find him looming over us, rage etched into every line of his face.
“Mind your own business, asshole,” the man spits, rising unsteadily to his feet.
Alex steps forward, putting himself between me and the drunk. “Heismy business.”
A shiver runs down my spine at his threatening tone. Fuck. Where the hell are the bouncers?
Before I can intervene, Alex has the man by the lapels, nearly lifting him off the ground. “Touch him again,” he growls, “and I’ll break every finger on your hand. One. By. One.”
“Alex, stop!” I grab his arm, feeling the coiled tension beneath his jacket. “Let him go.”
But Alex is too far gone, his face twisted with a fury I recognize all too well. It’s the same expression Yuri would get right before someone ended up in the hospital—or worse.
“Security!” I shout, waving frantically at the bouncers who are already moving our way.
The man struggles in Alex’s grip, his face reddening. “You’re fucking crazy!”
Alex slams him against the nearest pillar. “You have no idea.”
Security reaches us—four of the Siren’s burliest bouncers surrounding Alex and the man. They pry Alex’s fingers fromthe man’s suit jacket, restraining him as he continues to glare daggers at the drunk.
“Get him out of here,” the head of security orders, gesturing toward Alex.
“Wait!” I step forward, a decision forming before I fully think it through. “He’s with me. I’ll handle him.”
The security chief gives me a skeptical look. “Vince, this guy just assaulted a customer.”
“A customer who grabbed me first,” I counter. “Look, I know him. I’ll take responsibility. Just… let me deal with it.”
After a momentary hesitation, the chief nods with reluctance. “Your call. But if he causes any more trouble, he’s banned for life.”
The bouncers release Alex, who straightens his jacket with dangerous calm. The businessman is escorted to another section of the club, still shouting obscenities over his shoulder.
